Safety Flash
Near miss: Sudden loss of air from diver bail-out bottle
Near miss: Sudden loss of air from diver bail-out bottle
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 27/20
- DivingInspection and MaintenanceMachinery and EquipmentPressure Systems
- Mechanical failurePressure systems
- Diving operationsInspection and maintenance
- Breathing apparatusGas cylinder
- Functional testingPreventive maintenance
Summary
A diver’s bail-out bottle emptied after a first-stage regulator diaphragm failed; he was recovered safely. Examination found weakened structural fibres and a hole despite recent servicing. The flash highlights subjective serviceability judgements, undefined replacement criteria and an enhanced planned maintenance requirement to replace the diaphragm alongside service-kit items.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Pressure systems; stored pressure; pressurised systems; pressurized systems.
Classifications: Diving operations; diving; commercial diving.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Breathing apparatus; SCBA; self-contained breathing apparatus.
Classifications: Gas cylinder; compressed gas bottle; gas cylinders.
Classifications: Functional testing; function test.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.
Summary
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published an Accident Investigation Report 11/2020 relating to an incident on the general cargo vessel ZEA Servant in Campbeltown, Scotland. Two crewmen were injured when a suspended load fell and struck them.
IMCA SF 27/20. Themes: diving, inspection and maintenance, machinery and equipment, pressure systems.